The Miami Dolphins were supposed to have their shot this year at the NFL’s AFC East title. After Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills that no longer looks to be a slam dunk and in fact looks to be more likely for a NY Jets team who knocked off the Patriots to take command of 2nd place.

NFL odds favored the Dolphins by almost 7 points this past Sunday but the Phins couldn’t get the job done. In fact not only did they fail to cover the spread, they failed to win the game in what will likely become a vital handicap down the road.

Adding to the teams problems is the play of their QB who has fumbled away and passed away a great start to the season. Currently Tannehill is on pace for more sacks than any other QB in history and that includes the rookie season of Houston’s expansion year QB David Carr.

This week the Dolphins will travel North to New England where early NFL odds will have the Patriots likely opening around 7 point favorites. The Patriots who have struggled throughout the season still lead the division with a 5-2 record. An indication that coaching is a sure way to succeed.

The Patriots saw TE Rob Gronkowski activated for the first time this season and the Dolphins will likely get their share of the bruising pass catcher as Tom Brady looks to rebound from a week seven loss that saw the Patriots throw away NFL odds of minus 9.

With New England set to make it’s run on the AFC East and the Dolphins set to set sail on another season unless they can find a way to start winning ball games, it’s unsatisfying to say this game is a must win. Unfortunately it is becoming just that.

Miami can not afford to lose two division games this early in a season nor can they afford to drop three game backs on the Patriots.